Codeine

What exactly is Codeine Phosphate?

Codeine is an opioid pain reliever that is also referred to as an analgesic. Analgesics are medications which relieve or stop pain by increasing the pain threshold and blocking a user's emotional response to pain. This eliminates the discomfort caused by pain. This is done without disturbing consciousness (inducing sleep) or changing other sensory modalities.

Codeine tablets are also used in tuberculosis treatments and insomnia caused by incessant coughing. This medication has been used for decades to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain which cannot be treated by using other analgesics like ibuprofen alone. This medication was originally approved by the FDA in 1950 and has since been the go-to treatment for millions of people. The active ingredient is codeine phosphate hemihydrate, which is the main reason for its efficacy. According to dosages the tablet contains various amounts of the active ingredient (15 mg, 30 mg or 60 mg). Codeine phosphate is used for:

• The relief of mild to moderate pain. This includes post op pain, pain which is associated with terminal illness, coughs and headaches.
• The relief of symptoms that come with diarrhoea. This does not include diarrhoea caused by poisoning.

How does Codeine Phosphate Work When Ingested?

Codeine tablets are similar to the popularly known hydrocodone and morphine as they belong to a class of medications called opioid analgesics. This class of medication works by altering the way the body feels and reacts to pain. In the body, codeine is converted into morphine and studies have shown that the mechanism of action for both codeine and morphine are the same (but codeine does not cause the same high level of sedation).

Codeine binds itself to opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for transmitting pain sensations throughout the body. By binding to these receptors, codeine elevates the user's tolerance to pain. This decreases the discomfort that pain causes. This medication also causes a form of sedation, which depresses breathing and helps a patient relax. This pill is frequently combined with aspirin, paracetamol or acetaminophen (Tylenol). This provides individuals with more effective pain relief. This medication takes 30to 60 minutes to take effect and lasts 3 to 4 hours.

How is Codeine Phosphate meant to Be Taken?

Medication adherence (medication routine) is very important in safely treating a condition without posing further risk to the body or mind. It is always strongly advised that patients follow exact dosage instructions and be aware of precautions and contraindications to make sure that they receive successful outcomes when taking the treatment. Studies by the CDC state that 30%-50% of treatments fail due to non-adherence or negligence towards how the medication is meant to be taken.

Codeine phosphate 30 mg is no exception to the rule and although many patients take this medication when needed, it is still very important to establish the correct dosage and routine. The dosage of this treatment differs from patient to patient as it is based on the condition it is treating and individual medical history, weight and response to treatment. Below are guidelines of how codeine pills should be taken:

• Codeine tablets should be taken by mouth with water for proper absorption.
• It is advised that this medication be used at the lowest effective dose first.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• The tablet must be taken whole and should not be crushed or broken.
• Do not stop treatment abruptly as this can increase the possibility of side effects and withdrawal symptoms. One should taper off the medication.
• Pain medications such as codeine work best when used at the first sign of pain.

What are the Main Benefits of Codeine Phosphate?

Along with its ability to decrease discomfort and increase tolerance to pain, this medication has several other benefits, which include:

• It comes in various doses, which makes it easy for patients to get an accurate dose to suit their condition and medical history.
• The tablet is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and this gives users fast and effective pain relief.
• This medication can be used in conjunction with other painkillers (aspirin, carisoprodol, paracetamol, ibuprofen and promethazine) for more effective pain relief. This applies to individuals over the age of 18.
• Codeine side effects are minimal and rarely experienced by users.
• Patients can buy codeine phosphate online, eliminating the need to visit pharmacies while in pain.

When is Codeine Phosphate Contraindicated?

Codeine tablets work in conjunction with normal bodily functions and are often prescribed alongside other medications like aspirin or paracetamol. This provides patients with treatment that is safe and effective. Although it is safe to take this medication with other painkillers, some medical conditions do not allow the use of codeine phosphate. Codeine should not be used if you have:

• Have severe breathing problems
• Are allergic to codeine phosphate
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have severe cramps causes by biliary colic

Side Effects of Codeine Phosphate

This medication is well tolerated by majority of the patients that use it and has a soaring success rate. However, side effects are sometimes experienced due to a patient's health or medication history, incorrect dosages, allergies or negligence towards precautions and contraindications. Patients who do experience these side effects have reported that they do not last very long and subside quickly.

Side effects that are more common include drowsiness, nausea and constipation. Drowsiness tends to go away within a few days as your body gets used to the medicine. This is a mild side effect which is usually short-lived. Nausea also tends to wear off with the progression of treatment. It can be avoided or prevented by having some food or a small meal before taking this medication. Constipation can be prevented by drinking more water than usual each day.

These side effects can be solved by treating them individually at home. Experts recommend that patients stay hydrated, relaxed and limit movement. This can help subside some of the unpleasant symptoms. The use of alcohol when taking this treatment should be avoided, as it can increase the likelihood of side effects.

Expert Recommendations on Dosage for Codeine Phosphate

Before purchasing codeine online patients should remember that dosage recommendations are directly linked to the results a patient expects to see after treatment. Codeine phosphate 30 mg is an advanced painkiller that requires patients to follow exact doses to holistically benefit from it. Codeine phosphate dosage:

• For pain, the usual adult dosage is 15 mg to 60 mg every 4 hours, taken as needed.
• For coughs, take 10 mg to 20 mg every 4-6 hours.
• For diarrhoea, take 30 mg to 60 mg every four to six hours, if necessary.
• It is advised that patients do not exceed 240 mg a day.

Codeine for uses such as diarrhoea, TB and insomnia caused by pain or coughing, is based on the severity of the condition. Patients are frequently given the standard starting dose and the treatment is increased or decreased in according to response to treatment. Tips for patients who are using codeine as a form of treatment:

• Patients should take the lowest effective codeine phosphate dosage for the shortest period of time.
• Patients who have had prior exposure to opioid treatments may require a higher initial dose.
• If nausea or an upset stomach is experienced, try taking the medication with a light meal.

The Addition of Paracetamol into a Codeine Treatment Plan

When patients buy codeine phosphate, they are guaranteed rapid pain relief with long-lasting effects. However, certain conditions are too overwhelming to be treated with codeine alone; therefore, it is commonly combined with paracetamol.

Paracetamol is a well-known over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that is used for various pains. While the mechanism of action regarding paracetamol is not precisely understood or still subject of research, the two analgesics work well together as a combined pain treatment. Paracetamol can reduce the fever that accompanies pain while codeine targets the discomfort for relief. Additionally, combining the two pain relievers eliminates the need to increase the dose of either than when used alone, leading to a lower incidence of side effects.

A systematic study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) evaluated the safety and efficacy of codeine with paracetamol in the treatment of pain. Patients with various types of pain were chosen for the study. The dosages ranged from 10 to 60 mg of codeine and 400 to 1000 mg of paracetamol. The primary outcome measures were the number of patients experiencing side effects and the pain intensity difference.

The efficacy results showed that when paracetamol was combined with codeine, it provided a 5-10% increase in pain relief on the totality pain intensity difference. This was comparable to the difference in pain relief in the combination of codeine and placebo. The incidence of side effects with each treatment was similar, however manageable. This concluded that the codeine-paracetamol combination is effective in treating high levels of pain.

Patients can buy codeine with paracetamol, for an enhanced pain-relieving experience. However, they must follow strict instructions when using combination pain-relievers.

What Other Painkillers can be Used with Codeine Phosphate?

Codeine's mild yet effective composition allows patients to combine their treatment with other low-schedule painkillers, such as NSAIDs. With a combination of pain killers, patients who buy codeine phosphate are better equipped to fight pain and discomfort. This will not add a risk of side effects, making it entirely safe to use codeine with other painkillers. Additionally, the use of NSAIDs can combat fever that may accompany high levels of pain.

Some painkillers used with codeine include:

• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin (preferably in patients over the age of 16)
• Acetaminophen

Can I Drive with Codeine Phosphate in my System?

Codeine works in the body as an opioid, by blocking pain signals to be interpreted by the brain. This allows the patient to deal with the levels of pain by dulling it down. In this process, the brain and nervous system become very relaxed, promoting sleepiness.

When patients buy codeine for the first time, they should avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery before understanding the exact reaction of the treatment in their system. It is also best to avoid any concentration-based activity if they have blurred vision or dizziness.

Are Codeine and Tramadol Similar Treatments?

Codeine and tramadol are both opiates; however, codeine was created from the poppy plant, and tramadol was synthesized in a laboratory. This means that codeine is an all-natural opioid and tramadol is a man-made opioid. Many health professionals prescribe these medications as they have a low potential for addiction compared to other opioids. Patients buy codeine phosphate online frequently in this regard.

Both these pharmaceuticals are used in the treatment of moderate pain, and codeine can also be used to treat cough and symptoms of diahoerra. They are weaker than other opioids such as morphine; however, they are highly effective regardless of what they treat.

Codeine and tramadol work to treat pain by copying the action of natural opioids found in the body. Although their mechanism of action is similar, both these treatments are not the same.

A study conducted on the comparison of tramadol and codeine showed that some patients discontinued tramadol rather than codeine phosphate. This is due to tramadol's greater side effects in their specific instances, whereas codeine was better tolerated. The study also proved a combination of codeine and paracetamol treatment worked better than tramadol due to the severity of the patients' conditions.

There are other studies that conversely show the opposite where tramadol is better tolerated than codeine, hence both can be used effectively depending on preferences and tolerance levels.

Patients are often advised to buy codeine phosphate online if they have other conditions relating to pain. Codeine also safely calms the nervous system while treating pain, which further promotes sleep in patients who suffer from chronic pains.

Is Buying Codeine Phosphate Online Easy?

Yes, without hesitation. Buying codeine online is fast becoming one of the most efficient ways to get the medication prescription free. Patients who purchase over the counter codeine substitutes that do not provide adequate relief can easily buy codeine online. The process is fast, reliable and efficient. It is advised that users choose reputable online pharmacies such as ours to purchase from, as we have a secure gateway plus authentic and approved medications.

Last Reviewed: 10th July 2024
Next Review Due: August 2025